Submission (#3429) Approved

The attention of others wasn't exactly something Riptide enjoyed. While he could occasionally feel smug when he successfully captured another's attention, there was no reason for him to seek it. He found himself impressive and didn't need anyone else to. When he had caught wind of the festival of creativity, he had exhibited a mild interest in attending, but under the notion of observing and seeing what others had to offer. Plus, his brother wished to attend, and he wasn't a fan of Jett leaving to go anywhere without him. It was dangerous on the surface world, after all, and Jett was never good at detecting danger. However, upon revealing his intentions to go, Jett was immediately adamant that he should perform.

While quite limited in his ability, Riptide enjoyed playing the guitar. They had no place in the water, nor would the water permit any sound, but he often traversed to the surface to play.

Having gotten his hands on an old guitar after one of Jett's exploits, he kept it tucked away in a sheltered spot on the beach. When he had the time or generally felt bored, he would go up to the surface and play a few songs. Lazy playing had cultivated some form of skill, and it was now one of his favorite activities aside from scolding Jett.

The insistence on him playing at the festival had not let up, no matter how many times Riptide rejected the idea, and it eventually led to him getting carried away in it. The next thing he knew, he was standing backstage, preparing to go on in front of everyone. For one of the first times in his life, Riptide felt nervous. Playing the guitar was something that meant a good deal to him, and he wasn't sure if he could handle any form of scrutiny from others. Jett thought he was good, but Jett had no frame of reference. Everyone in the audience presumably did.

Fiddling with his hands nervously, he barely noticed Jett creeping up behind him until suddenly his brother's arms were wrapped around his torso.

"Good luck!" Jett squeaked, squeezing Riptide gently. "Before you say it, I know, I know, I'm not 'pposed to be back here--"

"Thank you," Riptide responded quietly, resting his hands over Jett's.

Despite all the scolding and how much his brother worried him, he loved Jett. He loved Jett's support when he needed it.

"Now get out of here."

Listening to the sound of Jett scampering away, it didn't take long for him to hear his name being called to the stage. Taking a deep breath, he clutched his guitar a little tighter and made his way out and center stage. The sight of the audience made him dizzy for a moment, and he closed his eyes, choosing to picture Jett instead as he hit the first note. Jett, who brought him the guitar, to begin with. Jett, sat adoringly in front of his brother to watch him play. Jett, who made up lyrics for the nonsense tunes he made up. Jett, who was always happy to watch him play.

It made it a lot easier.

Before he knew it, the last note had been hit, and he opened his eyes to applause from the terraliens in the audience. That wasn't what he was looking for. His eyes settled on a certain somebody in the crowd, cheering and clapping wildly, making a spectacle of himself. His antennas raised happily.